Fellowship marks new chapter in advancing negotiation, governance, and community development practice
Policy analyst, economist, and communications strategist, Ayobami Adekojo, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts (INCOS-DE) during a grand ceremony held in Abuja.
The event brought together distinguished professionals, government representatives and development-partners, as the Institute welcomed a new class of Fellows certified to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in negotiation, social development, and access to global funding mechanisms.
In his keynote address, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of INCOS-DE, said the Institute’s core mission is to build a generation of professionals who can effectively negotiate, monitor, and evaluate development projects across sectors.
“Nigeria has over ₦40 trillion (about US$40 trillion) in potential funding from global development partners and humanitarian organisations,” he noted. “Our task is to train experts who can access these opportunities and channel them to communities that need them most.”
Also speaking, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, Chairman of the Board of INCOS-DE, highlighted that negotiation and community engagement are crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustaining progress at the grassroots. She commended the newly inducted Fellows for their dedication to nation-building.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the State Government of Bauchi, Governor Bala A. Mohammed pledged support for the mission of INCOS-DE, stating:
“I commend the Institute for building a cadre of professionals whose negotiation and development expertise will help unlock global resources and deliver sustainable impact at the local level. Bauchi State stands ready to collaborate with certified Fellows to ensure that development funds reach communities and foster real transformation.”
As one of the newly decorated Fellows, Ayobami Adekojo joins a distinguished network of professionals working to drive sustainable social impact in fields such as education, health, infrastructure, climate change, and clean energy. The Institute, through its partnerships with the Møller Institute at the University of Cambridge and Liberty University (USA), provides advanced executive training and certification in negotiation, leadership, and development management.
In his remarks, Ayobami Adekojo expressed appreciation to the Institute for the honour and pledged to continue promoting policies and partnerships that deliver measurable social outcomes.
“I am deeply honoured to join INCOS-DE as a Fellow,” he said. “In my work as a policy analyst and communications strategist, I recognise that negotiation and collaboration are key to unlocking Nigeria’s development potential. This fellowship strengthens my resolve to drive evidence-based policy, empower local contractors, and design solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
The induction ceremony concluded with presentations of certificates and fellowship badges to the new members, who pledged to uphold the ethical and professional standards of the Institute.
For Ayobami Adekojo, the fellowship represents both recognition and responsibility — a call to deepen his contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through negotiation, research, and strategic policy design
